The Trades Show

Briana Ottoboni
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork – a conversation series with skilled artisans from inside their workshop.

Episodes

  1. 9. MOMENTS OF MAGIC: Candlemaker Sarah Larson on the art of fragrance and the power of saying no | Ep 9

    12/19/2025

    9. MOMENTS OF MAGIC: Candlemaker Sarah Larson on the art of fragrance and the power of saying no | Ep 9

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Sarah Larson, founder of Often Wander, inside Sarah's studio, which is also set to become a storefront. They discuss the nuances of crafting scents through candle making, the journey from managing two retail stores to focusing on e-commerce, and the struggles and rewards of saying no to misaligned opportunities. Sarah shares her origin story, which includes moments of manifestation and serendipity, and how she has navigated her business through significant changes, including the impact of COVID-19. The episode dives into the creative process, the importance of thinking small, and how setting boundaries can lead to sustainable success. Tune in to learn about Sarah’s unique journey, her approach to maintaining creativity, and her vision for the future of Often Wander. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🕯️ Where to find Sarah Larson:https://oftenwander.com/  / oftenwander  ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show:Instagram: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow   )TikTok: @tradesshow (  / tradesshow  )YouTube: ‪@tradesshow‬ Substack: Trade Secrets (https://revivethetrades.substack.com/)Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/✨ Where to find your host, Briana:Instagram: @brianaaugustina (  / brianaaugustina  )Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/Website: https://www.brianaaugustina.com/🎬 In this episode:00:00 Manifestation and the Birth of Often Wander00:16 Welcome to The Trades Show01:25 Introducing Sarah Larson of Often Wander02:22 The Origin Story of Often Wander05:44 The Journey to San Francisco08:38 Navigating Challenges and Growth09:49 Adapting to a Post-COVID World11:52 Embracing a Smaller, Sustainable Business Model17:16 Exploring New Creative Avenues22:17 Exploring Candle Making Techniques22:57 Creating Scents Inspired by Nature24:35 The Art and Science of Candle Making28:10 Future Plans for Often Wander30:14 Balancing Creativity and Business32:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:19 Upcoming Projects and Where to Find Often Wander41:22 Conclusion and How to Support the Show

    42 min
  2. 8. FORGING A CREATIVE LIFE: Blacksmith Marcia Trattner on Finding Flow in Metal, Wearing Many Hats, and How to Just Start

    10/09/2025

    8. FORGING A CREATIVE LIFE: Blacksmith Marcia Trattner on Finding Flow in Metal, Wearing Many Hats, and How to Just Start

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Marcia Trattner, blacksmith, sculptor, and founder of She-Weld, inside her Brooklyn, NY workshop. Their conversation explores Marcia’s 35-year journey with metal — from her early days in biology and fine art to discovering blacksmithing as both a trade and an artistic language. She shares how sculpture, teaching, collaboration, and even repairing historic pieces for the Martha Graham Company all weave together in her creative life. We dive into: The moment blacksmithing found her and how working with metal feels like drawing in three dimensions.Balancing personal creative projects with commissions, teaching, and running a studio.The history of her Brooklyn blacksmith shop and her Catskills backup space as anchors for her practice.Why hammer-ins, mentorship, and community are vital for blacksmithing’s future.Her advice to aspiring makers: don’t wait for perfect conditions — just start.Whether you’re a blacksmith, metalsmith, sculptor, or a craft-curious listener, this episode offers insight into the flow of making, the realities of sustaining an artisan practice, and the joy of letting craft find you. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork — a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🔥 Where to find Marcia Trattner: Website: https://www.she-weld.com Instagram: @she_weld ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshow YouTube: @tradesshow Substack: Trade Secrets Website: thetradesshow.co ✨ Where to find your host, Briana: Instagram: @brianaaugustina Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ Website: brianaaugustina.com 🎬 In this episode 0:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:38 Meet Marsha Trattner: Blacksmith and Founder of She Weld04:32 Marsha's Journey: From Biology to Blacksmithing07:48 The Art and Science of Metalwork12:50 Balancing Creative and Commercial Projects24:25 The Evolution of Blacksmithing29:33 Advice for Aspiring Blacksmiths36:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37 min
  3. 7. WEAVING TO HEAL: Weaver Cynthia Alberto on Bridging Community & Preserving Textile Tradition

    09/25/2025

    7. WEAVING TO HEAL: Weaver Cynthia Alberto on Bridging Community & Preserving Textile Tradition

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Cynthia Alberto — a weaver, multidisciplinary artist, and founder of Weaving Hand — inside the Fridman Gallery in New York City. Cynthia shares her remarkable journey from a career in computer science at Merrill Lynch to becoming a full-time artist with her work now featured at MoMA. Along the way, she opens up about how weaving became both her livelihood and her lifeline — a way to heal, build community, and preserve her Filipino heritage through textile traditions. Together, they explore: The role of weaving circles and craft communities in a disconnected worldHow immigrant roots and cultural identity are expressed through textilesThe founding of Weaving Hand and its impact on education and healingWeaving as both fine art and a deeply personal form of resilienceThe cultural and environmental significance of textiles in everyday lifeReviving traditional crafts and sustainable approaches to makingPractical advice for aspiring weavers, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs Whether you’re an artisan, aspiring maker, or someone who simply values handmade work, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how craft connects us to identity, community, and the fine art world. 🎙 The Trades Show is a podcast and video series about modern craftwork — a return to what makes us human: the ability to make with our hands. 🧵 Where to find Cynthia Alberto: Weaving Hand’s Instagram: @weavinghand Cynthia’s Instagram: @cynthiaalbertostudio ⚒️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshow YouTube: @tradesshow Substack: Trade Secrets Website: thetradesshow.co ✨ Where to find your host, Briana: Instagram: @brianaaugustina Substack: https://brianaaugustina.substack.com/ Website: brianaaugustina.com 🎬 In this episode 00:00 The Importance of Community00:47 Welcome to The Trades Show01:43 Meet Cynthia Alberto: Weaver and Multidisciplinary Artist03:12 Cynthia's Journey from Computer Science to Art07:55 Transition to Weaving and Textile Design10:22 Founding Weaving Hand and Community Impact14:03 Weaving as a Form of Healing18:43 The Cultural and Environmental Significance of Textiles26:15 Reviving Traditional Crafts and Techniques34:42 Advice for Aspiring Weavers and Artists39:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    40 min
  4. 6. REVIVING AMERICAN SHOEMAKING: Bootmaker Frank Beneduci on What Makes a Good Shoe and Technology's Role in Manufacturing

    09/04/2025

    6. REVIVING AMERICAN SHOEMAKING: Bootmaker Frank Beneduci on What Makes a Good Shoe and Technology's Role in Manufacturing

    n this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with Frank Beneduci, American bootmaker and founder of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction, inside his San Francisco workshop. Their conversation traces Frank’s journey from growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts — once the shoemaking capital of America — to leaving a successful career in advertising to carry forward his family’s legacy in footwear. He shares what makes a truly good shoe, why leather only gets better with time, and how modern technology could shape the future of American shoemaking. Frank also reflects on the challenges of reviving a fading trade, the lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and what it means to start fresh with a new chapter in his business. Whether you’re a shoemaker, leatherworker, or simply someone who values the craft of well-made goods, this episode offers insight into the artistry, grit, and innovation behind a pair of boots built to last. In this episode, you’ll hear: Frank’s early memories of growing up in a shoemaking townWhy the American shoe industry declined — and what it would take to revive itThe difference between leather and synthetic shoes (and why it matters for longevity)How automation and CAD could shape the future of shoemakingLessons from running a factory, starting over, and staying true to the craft 🥾 Where to find Frank Beneduci: Website: https://www.beneduci.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneducishoes/ 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow Subscribe to Trade Secrets on Substack: revivethetrades.substack.com Visit the website: www.revivethetrades.com 🎙️Credits: Guest – Frank Beneduci, Bootmaker of Beneduci Shoe Design & Instruction Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (fractalstudio.work) Creative Direction, Filming & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Theme Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode 00:00 The Vision to Reinvigorate American Shoemaking00:27 Introduction to The Trades Show01:22 Meet Frank Beneduci: American Boot Maker04:22 The Decline of the American Shoe Industry09:51 Reviving Shoemaking Through Automation11:36 The Art and Physicality of Shoemaking15:56 The Quality of American vs. European Leather17:54 Learning the Craft in Italy19:45 The School of Hard Knocks20:20 Learning in LA22:53 Starting My Own Factory23:05 Challenges and Setbacks23:48 A New Beginning24:32 Crafting High-Quality Shoes27:20 Simplifying the Process29:14 The Importance of Leather31:01 Breaking in Shoes33:43 Advice for Aspiring Shoemakers37:14 The Next Evolution of Beneduci39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    40 min
  5. 5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

    08/21/2025

    5. POTTERY WITH INTENTION: Ceramicist MaryMar Keenan on creating connection through functional art, loving what you do, and 30 years of clay

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with MaryMar Keenan, ceramicist and founder of MMClay, in her storefront and studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco. Their conversation explores MaryMar’s 30-year journey in ceramics—from discovering her love for clay to building one of San Francisco’s most recognized handmade tableware brands. She shares her philosophy on functional art (“a piece isn’t really finished until it’s used”), the evolution of MMClay, and why she believes handmade pottery should be special, but not precious. MaryMar also reflects on her transformative trip to Japan, the humbling lessons of working with clay, and how she continues to push her creative edges while running a small-batch production studio. You’ll hear about her innovative experiential pottery workshops, full-circle moments with Michelin-star chefs, and honest advice for aspiring potters navigating the balance of art and business. Whether you’re a potter, a creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves handmade craftsmanship, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deep look into the artistry behind everyday objects. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🏺 Where to find MaryMar Keenan: Shop the website: https://www.mmclay.com/ Follow on Instagram: @mmclay_ceramics 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Follow on Instagram: @tradesshow Follow on TikTok: @tradesshow Subscribe on YouTube: @tradesshow Subscribe to Substack: https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ Visit the Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits: Guest – MaryMar Keenan, Ceramicist & Designer Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/) Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to The Trades Show01:18 Meet MaryMar Keenan: Ceramicist and Designer02:40 Discovering the Love for Clay06:05 The Philosophy of Functional Art08:58 The Evolution of MMClay14:29 Balancing Art and Business16:55 Inspirations from Japan25:55 A Full Circle Moment in Tokyo27:10 The Humbling Nature of Clay28:13 Evolution of a Pottery Business29:16 The Power of Conversation and Opportunity31:06 From Baby Plates to Restaurant Ware32:25 The Birth of MMClay34:08 Current Business Challenges and Aspirations38:50 Innovative Pottery Workshops44:01 Advice for Aspiring Potters47:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    50 min
  6. 4. FROM ETSY TO ARTISTRY: Leatherworker Ian James on a self-taught path, business resilience, & transformative art

    08/07/2025

    4. FROM ETSY TO ARTISTRY: Leatherworker Ian James on a self-taught path, business resilience, & transformative art

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni sits down with leatherworker Ian James, in his namesake brand’s retail space and workshop in San Francisco, California. Their conversation unpacks Ian's journey from dropping out of Parsons to launching his own label and opening a retail space in San Francisco. Ian shares insights into the day-to-day life of a leatherworker, the challenges of running a brick and mortar store, and how he has pushed boundaries in bag design to create meaningful art. Ian also delves into his transition into fine art, the impact of the pandemic on his business, and offers advice for aspiring leatherworkers. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and the artistry of leatherwork. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 👜 Where to find Ian: Website: https://www.ianjamesmade.com Instagram: @ianjamesmade 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshow Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits: Guest – Ian James, Leatherworker Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/) Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 Resilience and Creativity: Overcoming Challenges 00:23 Welcome to The Trades Show 01:18 Introducing Ian James: Leatherworker and Designer 02:16 A Day in the Life of Ian James 03:25 The Journey from Parsons to Etsy 05:34 The Evolution of Ian James' Designs 08:37 The Transition to Leatherworking 13:29 Balancing Corporate Life and Craftsmanship 17:10 Starting the Retail Journey 17:44 Opening the First Store 18:10 Challenges and Costs of Setting Up 20:08 Struggles and Adaptations 22:05 Creative Breakthroughs 24:27 Exploring Leather Art 31:56 Advice for Aspiring Leatherworkers 34:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    36 min
  7. 3. MAKE BEAUTIFUL THINGS: Jeweler Lindsay Knox on heritage, history, & scaling slowly

    07/24/2025

    3. MAKE BEAUTIFUL THINGS: Jeweler Lindsay Knox on heritage, history, & scaling slowly

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the Oakland-based studio of Lindsay Knox, jewelry designer and founder of Ladha, for an intimate conversation on craft, identity, and the realities of building a handmade business. Together, they explore Lindsay’s journey from corporate retail burnout to creating heirloom-inspired pieces by hand. She shares how motherhood, heritage, and a desire to be surrounded by beauty sparked her path to becoming a full-time jewelry maker. From wax carving and gold polishing to vendor partnerships and trade shows, this episode offers a rich look at what it means to think small while scaling with integrity. Lindsay reflects on the tactile joy of making, her business phases, and why partnering with the right people has been essential to her sustainable growth. For anyone dreaming of turning a creative spark into a livelihood, this episode is filled with heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 💍 Where to find Lindsay: Website: https://www.ladhajewelry.com Instagram: @ladhajewelry 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshowYouTube: @tradesshow Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits: Guest – Lindsay Knox Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/) Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 Introduction: Finding Your Path 00:15 Welcome to The Trades Show 01:10 Meet Lindsay Knox: Jewelry Designer and Founder of Ladha 02:10 A Day in the Life of a Jewelry Designer 03:10 The Journey from Retail to Jewelry Making 07:39 Inspiration and Early Influences 11:20 The Business of Jewelry Making 13:11 Design Process and Style 19:49 Balancing Craft and Business Growth 30:24 Future Plans and Aspirations 33:31 Advice for Aspiring Jewelry Designers 38:52 Conclusion and Farewell

    40 min
  8. 2. CRAFT BUTCHERY FIGHTS FOR OUR FOOD SYSTEM: Angela Wilson on sustainability, small business, and the future of food | The Trades Show Ep 002

    07/10/2025

    2. CRAFT BUTCHERY FIGHTS FOR OUR FOOD SYSTEM: Angela Wilson on sustainability, small business, and the future of food | The Trades Show Ep 002

    In this episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits Avedano’s, a beloved butcher shop in San Francisco, to sit down with Angela Wilson, butcher and small business owner, for a conversation on craft butchery and the future of our food system. Together, they explore Angela’s journey from restaurant kitchens and martial arts to running a neighborhood butcher shop rooted in sustainability and care. They discuss what it takes to run a small business in a changing city, the importance of sourcing from local farms, using every part of the animal, and why paying more and eating less might be the key to preserving our food systems. This episode offers a grounded, inspiring look into the rhythms of craft butchery, the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, and the deeper meaning behind connecting to the food we eat. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🥩 Where to find Angela: Visit Avedano’s: https://www.avedanos.com/ Follow on Instagram: @avedanosmeat 🛠️ Where to find The Trades Show: Instagram: @tradesshow TikTok: @tradesshow Substack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/ Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits: Guest – Angela Wilson Host & Creator – Briana Ottoboni Production – Fractal Studio (https://www.fractalstudio.work/) Creative Direction, Filming, & Editing – Briana Ottoboni Original Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane Music 📺 In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – Meet Angela Wilson & Avedano’s 03:45 – From restaurant kitchens to butchery 07:10 – Starting a butcher shop from scratch 10:19 – The realities of running a small business 13:28 – Sourcing animals from local farms 17:20 – Using every part of the animal 20:33 – Sustainability and food systems 24:00 – Employee wellbeing in small businesses 27:15 – Pricing, inflation, and small business challenges 30:01 – Craft butchery and mentorship 33:12 – Advice for aspiring butchers 34:45 – Why supporting small farms matters 35:34 – Outro

    36 min
  9. 1. FURNITURE IS A LANGUAGE: Woodworker Luis Peña on storytelling, making, and creativity

    06/26/2025

    1. FURNITURE IS A LANGUAGE: Woodworker Luis Peña on storytelling, making, and creativity

    In the premiere episode of The Trades Show, host Briana Ottoboni visits the wood shop of Luis Peña, furniture designer and woodworker behind Peña Made, to explore his creative journey from graphic design and filmmaking to handcrafted furniture. Together, they discuss storytelling through objects, the power of a beginner’s mindset, building a business rooted in craft, and the deeper meaning behind making things by hand. This episode offers a soulful look into the world of modern artisanship and what it means to create with intention. The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork – a conversation series with artisans and a return to what makes us human: the ability to create with our hands. 🪵Where to find Luis Peña:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penamade.sf/Check out his work: https://penamade.com/ 🛠️Where to find The Trades Show: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTv8cpMzFfwRjaSHiT9e2AInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetradesshowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tradesshowSubstack (Trade Secrets): https://revivethetrades.substack.com/Website: https://www.thetradesshow.co/ 🎙️ Credits:Guest – Luis PeñaHost & Creator – Briana OttoboniProduction – Fractal Studio Creative Direction, Filming, Editing & Show Art – Briana OttoboniOriginal Music – Federico Wanzo, Skane MusicSpecial Thanks: The Whiskey & Wood crew for hosting this conversation :) 📺 In this episode:00:00 – Introduction01:21 – Meet Luis Peña & his journey into woodworking04:48 – From graphic design to filmmaking to furniture10:53 – Storytelling through furniture design13:09 – Family roots, memory, and inspiration16:54 – Designing without formal training19:27 – Collaboration, community & creative flow24:43 – Making pieces that hold a life of their own27:05 – Wood types, materials & working process31:41 – Blending handwork and CNC technology33:20 – Scaling the business while staying small35:27 – The business side: learning on the fly37:55 – Advice for aspiring artisans40:42 – Mentorship, risk, and failure45:30 – Creativity as something that flows through us48:12 – Outro

    49 min

  10. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    The Trades Show (Official Trailer)

    Before the algorithm, before assembly lines, before 2-day shipping, there was the maker. (It wasn't that long ago). The Trades Show is a return to modern craftwork—a conversation series with artisans that is part documentary, part love letter to those working not against the grain, but in rhythm with traditions we’ve nearly forgotten. Hosted by Briana Ottoboni. Coming June 26.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Trades Show is a show about modern craftwork – a conversation series with skilled artisans from inside their workshop.

Information

  • Creator
    Briana Ottoboni
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Briana Ottoboni
  • Show Website
    The Trades Show

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